Related Media

Although ice rescues are uncommon, Heavenly does have two reservoirs with the potential for emergency situations, according to a statement from the fire district.

"It is very common for untrained would be rescuers to become victims themselves as they take desperate action and are drawn into a bad situation," district engineer Chris Lucas, who instructs the training, said in the statement. "You can't judge the strength of ice by its appearance even its thickness can be deceiving. The only way to be totally safe is to stay off the ice."

Students of the course said they were glad to have the professional instruction, which has changed the way they would respond to an ice emergency, according to the statement.